Once in a lifetime opportunity...

Hello all. My grandfather passed away recently, and I found out that he left me some money in his will. I am going to take this opportunity to buy a lens that I would otherwise never be able to afford.

My next two lens purchases were going to be (not at the same time):
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 70-200 f4

That's about my max budget per purchase.

So now I am thinking of upgrading one of those to:
Canon 35mm 1.4
Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II

I have a crop body, and always will. I would never be able to afford a full frame body. [I'd rather take this opportunity to buy a lens that will last a long time rather than a FF body]. This is a hobby for me. I take pretty much portraits only - of friends and family. I have read some on this forum that a crop body does not yield the amazing results that these lenses are capable of. Do you think it's true? I'd hate to spend so much on a lens and not use it to it's potential or whatever. Also, is the zoom hard to physically manage?

Which one is the smarter upgrade, in your opinion?

Thanks for any thoughts. I appreciate it.

From your post, it appears as if you will not upgrade to FF, in that case your original choice is pretty decent, i.e.:

1. Sigma 30/1.4 (5 mm wider than 35mm L)
2. 70-200/4, get the IS version. (unless you absolutely need the F2.8 aperture)

Save the money your grandfather left you, may be get an ounce of gold (like the american eagle gold coin) with the savings

I have had the 35L and a good copy of the Sigma 30 and I kept the sigma 30. It is just as sharp as the L and has less purple fringing (CA).

The 70-200 f2.8 IS II is just plain magical. It is perfect in almost every way. I had one and loved it but sold it for some insane reason in july. I missed it so much I went ahead and got another one just recently. I can't recomend it enough!!

First of all... sorry for your lose.

I have Sigma 30mm 1.4 and it's been great. Yes I had to get it calibrated at Sigma NY b/c of focus issue but now it's great. About 70-200... if you have the budget... I would get 70-200 F4 IS. One of the great lens made by Canon next to 70-200 2.8 II.

You could always upgrade your body to a 5Dc for around $800.

dadgummit wrote in post #13127164
I have had the 35L and a good copy of the Sigma 30 and I kept the sigma 30. It is just as sharp as the L and has less purple fringing (CA).

The 70-200 f2.8 IS II is just plain magical. It is perfect in almost every way. I had one and loved it but sold it for some insane reason in july. I missed it so much I went ahead and got another one just recently. I can't recomend it enough!!

I had the 35L as well. it never really "Wowed" me, so I sold it and bought a Sigma 30mm 1.4 which I find just as good.

The 70-200mm 2.8 IS is one lens that will "Wow" you.

Your choices are perfect and both will work great on your crop body. You're making good selections for your intended use. The 70-200 2.8 is great for indoor portrait work, works well with or w/o flash, a great all-around lens. I have the Mark I version, and as you no doubt have, I hear the Mk II is even that much better.

Also sorry about your loss.

I would go with:

Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS II

I have the Sigma 30mm, and very satisfied with it. I think the 70-200 would compliment it perfectly.

Thank you so much for your kind words and your feedback. I appreciate it so much! It seems like most would keep the Sigma 30mm choice and go for the upgraded zoom.

First, sorry to hear about your loss.
What about the Canon 28mm lens instead of the Sigma 30mm? Also, unless you need the f2.8 speed, I am absolutely amazed by my 70-200 F4 IS.

IMO as others have mentioned get the stellar 70-200/f2.8 MKII IS USM and then compliment your other FL & speed desires around it.

Regards, Ron

Agreed with others on the 70-200/f2.8 MKII. However, I will say that, in addition to the 70-200, I also have the 35L, and they are my two primary lenses, with the same purposes as you. The 30mm Sigma I had was great though, I just got an incredible deal on a used 35L and couldn't resist.

With your Sigma 30mm and the new 70-200, you'd be covered for A LOT of situations.

I am now in situation to sell my old 70-200 f2.8IS and upgrade to mkII version, found one locally at very great price, also i found 16-35L II at great price that i can sell my old 16-35L and upgrade to it, not only that, but also i can sell my old 100 macro and get the new one, the store selling gear without guranatee at lowest prices and didn't find elsewhere, 5D II body dropped in price to $2155, i will sell my 5Dc in no time i hope and upgrade to new 5DII, i will check how much the Sigma 30mm there and also Canon 35L.

When I read the thread title it took my mind somewhere else. I guess the purchase of a thing does not really fit in that title for me. You will enjoy it for hours, weeks or years but in the end is is a thing. The title is more fitting to me if you were chasing a dream or doing something that would turn into a joyous memory forever. Not to say that you couldn't use this lens to do something that could change the hearts of millions but few have such lofty aspirations.

A trip to Italy ( or your dream spot ) with your current gear is also a once in a lifetime experience for most and having purchased a 70-200 mkII and had the opportunity to go to Italy on a trip with my point and shoot and family I would gladly turn over the 70-200 tomorrow and keep my Italy memories and pictures. Maybe that is just me though.


We are so fixated on gear here and there is much more to life than stuff.

think of gear as a rental whether it's long term or short term. I have been through a lot of gear. this means that whatever you own can be sold and acquired. with tight budgets it is wise to be as thoughtful as you are with your choice. I can safely say that if you were to become skilled at manual focus you can find a lot of great lenses for peanuts to adapt to any EOS. So my suggestion is to pick a path and try it out. You can always make a transition until supremely satisfied. I pretty much always buy used gear. If and when I am done I sell it for close to what I bought it for and sometimes more.